Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage is investing in Africa’s next generation of music talent. The Nigerian singer-songwriter has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation with a clear mission.
The foundation aims to close the gap between the entertainment industry and emerging African artists. It will provide avenues for diverse creatives to get their feet through stardom’s doors.
Discovering Africa’s Next Generation of Global Hitmakers
Through this philanthropic venture, Savage hopes to uncover Africa’s next wave of global hitmakers. Her vision extends beyond simply finding talented performers alone.
She also hopes to leave a legacy that reaches her home community. The foundation’s impact should extend across the entire African diaspora.
Savage’s approach recognizes that African musical talent exists abundantly. What’s missing is access, training, and pathways to sustainable careers.
Expanding Understanding of Meaningful Music Careers
Savage wants to broaden perceptions of what music careers can be. “I wanted to build something that opens people’s eyes to the full scope of what’s possible in music,” she stated in a press release shared with Black Enterprise.
She highlighted careers beyond performing specifically. “The person who composed the score for a film, who creates music for global campaigns, or who uses music as a tool for healing,” she explained.
“These are meaningful, sustainable careers that don’t always exist in the spotlight,” Savage continued. Many young African artists don’t realize these career paths exist or seem accessible.
Creating Platform for Access, Guidance, and Support
Savage articulated her foundation’s purpose clearly and purposefully. “This foundation is my way of creating a platform that helps African music creatives understand what’s possible,” she stated.
The platform will provide more than just information about possibilities. It will deliver “the access, guidance, and support to pursue those paths with confidence,” Savage explained.
Access represents the most significant barrier for many talented African artists. The foundation addresses this obstacle directly through strategic partnerships.
Partnering With Elite Berklee College of Music
The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation partnered with Berklee College of Music for its inaugural program. The elite institution for music education will bring world-class training to Lagos.
Berklee’s reputation as a premier music school adds legitimacy and value. Their faculty and curriculum represent gold-standard music education globally.
This partnership brings institutional excellence directly to African soil. Students won’t need to travel internationally to access top-tier training.
Four-Day Intensive Program in Lagos This April
The partnership begins with “Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program.” This four-day initiative takes place April 23-26, 2026 in Lagos.
The program will teach 100 students across various parts of the music business. Curriculum includes live performance, songwriting, and production skills.
Industry leaders and Berklee professors will teach the hands-on training. Attendees will gain new skills and experiences to advance their entertainment careers.
Looking Beyond Performers to All Music Professionals
The foundation’s scope extends to talent on and off the stage. Singers obviously benefit, but so do sound engineers and other technical professionals.
This inclusive approach recognizes that successful music ecosystems require multiple roles. Producers, engineers, composers, and business professionals all contribute essentially.
By training across disciplines, the foundation strengthens Africa’s entire music infrastructure. This creates sustainable growth rather than just individual stars.
Personal Connection: Savage’s Berklee Alumni Status
The Berklee partnership carries personal significance for the 46-year-old Savage. She herself is a Berklee alumna, making this collaboration deeply meaningful.
“Berklee has been an important part of my journey,” Savage reflected. Her own education there shaped her career trajectory significantly.
“My time as a young student helped shape how I see music, creativity, and the business side of it all,” she shared. Now she’s extending that transformative experience to others.
Building a Bridge for Deserving African Talent
Savage described her role as bridge-builder between African talent and world-class education. “I’m humbled to build this bridge to talent who deserve such world-class training,” she stated.
These artists need “experience needed to thrive in this field,” she continued. Talent alone isn’t sufficient without proper training and support.
Her language emphasizes that this isn’t charity—it’s giving deserving artists what they’ve earned. The foundation recognizes existing talent and provides missing resources.
Live Showcase Blending Global and West African Music
Upon completing the program, participants will present their work publicly. They’ll perform in a live showcase for industry professionals and audiences.
Their music will blend global music genres with West African music tradition. This fusion approach honors roots while creating innovative new sounds.
The showcase format provides performance experience and industry exposure simultaneously. It’s both graduation celebration and professional networking opportunity.
Scholarship Awards for Select Participants
The live showcase will also introduce scholarship awards for standout talent. Select participants will receive financial support for continued education.
These scholarship recipients will get guidance to progress their musical journeys at Berklee. The foundation creates pathways beyond the initial intensive program.
This structure identifies the most promising talent for additional investment. It ensures the foundation’s impact extends beyond the four-day event.
Free Program With Applications Open Until March 20
The program comes at no cost to selected attendees. This removes financial barriers that prevent many talented artists from accessing training.
Participants only need to provide their own accommodation and travel to Lagos. This minimal requirement makes the program accessible to serious applicants.
Applications remain open until March 20, 2026. All emerging creators and musicians are encouraged to apply regardless of specialization.
Building Legacy Through Education and Access
Savage’s foundation represents artist giving back at its finest. She’s using her success to create opportunities for the next generation.
The initiative addresses systemic problems rather than helping individuals alone. By training 100 people initially, she plants seeds for exponential impact.
Those 100 artists will influence thousands more throughout their careers. They’ll mentor others, hire collaborators, and elevate African music globally. Tiwa Savage’s foundation investment today shapes African music’s trajectory for decades ahead.